False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 04 No 06 - 1995 june

Magazine Overview

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue Date: June 1, 1995
Volume: 4, Number 6

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter primarily addresses the controversial topic of recovered memory, focusing on legal challenges, critiques of therapeutic practices, and the scientific validity of the phenomenon. The newsletter highlights recent court decisions that have cast doubt on the scientific acceptance and reliability of repressed memory claims.

Key Articles and Content

Legal Decisions on Recovered Memory

The newsletter reports on two significant legal cases in May 1995 that dealt with recovered memory testimony. In Maryland, a judge dismissed a sex abuse lawsuit against a Catholic priest, stating that the claims based on recovered memories did not meet the test of scientific reliability and that there is no empirical evidence to verify the existence of repressed memory. Similarly, in New Hampshire, Presiding Justice William J. Groff ruled that testimony based on recovered memories of sexual assault would not be admitted at trial because the phenomenon of memory repression and the process of therapy used to recover memories have not gained general acceptance in the field of psychology and are not scientifically reliable.

Critiques of Psychotherapy and the 'Recovered Memory Industry'

Several articles and reviews express strong criticism of the therapeutic practices associated with recovered memory. The documentary "Divided Memories" is reviewed, with commentators noting that while the program was seen as fair, it highlighted scathing criticism of therapy sessions and the notion that "the truth doesn't matter." Reviewers expressed dismay at the therapy profession in general, with some suggesting that psychotherapy has become a "religion" and that "shrinks and pseudo-shrinks" act as priests. Concerns are raised about the potential for therapists to create "false memories" and the financial implications, with a sample "demand letter" from a law firm illustrating how therapy expenses and compensation for alleged trauma can be pursued.

The newsletter also discusses the idea that the recovered memory phenomenon might be an outgrowth of the addiction movement and pop-psychology trends from the 1980s. The concept of "enmeshment" and "people addiction" is mentioned in this context.

Scientific and Psychological Debate

Dr. Harold Merskey, a member of the FMSF Scientific Advisory Board, defines "syndrome" and applies it to the "false memory syndrome." He describes it as a phenomenon where a person is encouraged to hate another person, often involving accusations against family members, and where there is a lack of independent evidence for the claims. He notes that 18% of cases indicate a history of alleged satanic ritual abuse, and over 40% involve vague accusations, usually directed at a family member.

August Piper Jr., M.D., offers suggestions for bridging the gap between recovered-memory and false-memory camps, emphasizing the need to decide on a central hypothesis, stop name-calling, agree on terminology, and acknowledge that no one owns the truth. He also stresses the importance of listening to survivor accounts.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The "Legal Corner" section details the Maryland and New Hampshire court decisions, emphasizing the legal requirement for scientific acceptance and reliability of testimony. The newsletter also touches upon the concept of "tolling" statutes of limitation in cases of childhood abuse, where the clock for legal action begins only when the abuse is discovered.

Rumors and Responses

The newsletter addresses four rumors: that the FMSF is a brainchild of cults that ritually abused people and is on the payroll of cults to discredit abuse allegations; that the group received covert financial support from the CIA; that FMSF Scientific Advisory Board members are paid; and that the FMSF is working to keep accused perpetrators out of jail. The Foundation denies the first three rumors and states that it believes those guilty of abuse should be appropriately punished.

Academic Freedom and Repressed Memory

An article discusses the case of Dr. John Mack, a Harvard Medical School faculty member, and the debate surrounding his research into alien abduction fantasies. The author questions whether academic freedom should shield research that lends credence to highly sexualized alien abduction fantasies and whether psychotherapy should be considered a branch of medicine where reality is irrelevant to patient health.

Sibling Incest vs. Parental Incest

Another section explores the puzzling difference between the reporting of sibling incest and parental incest. While research suggests sibling incest is far more prevalent, accusations reported to the FMSF overwhelmingly involve parental incest. The article speculates that therapists' beliefs and assumptions may play a role in this discrepancy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter strongly advocates for a critical and skeptical view of recovered memory claims and the therapeutic practices associated with them. The editorial stance is that "recovered memory" is not scientifically validated and that the process of recovering these memories through therapy is often unreliable, potentially leading to false accusations and significant harm to families. The newsletter champions the idea that justice requires scientifically reliable evidence and criticizes the "psychotherapy industry" for what it perceives as misguided practices and a lack of accountability. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous scientific standards in legal proceedings and a concern for the "accused" who may be unfairly targeted based on unsubstantiated memory claims. The Foundation positions itself as a voice for those who believe they have been wrongly accused or whose families have been fractured by the recovered memory phenomenon.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: June 1995
Volume: 11
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Country: USA
Language: English
ISSN: 1069-0484

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter delves into the complexities and controversies surrounding the False Memory Syndrome (FMS), with a particular focus on the potential for suggestion in psychotherapy and its implications for legal proceedings. The cover prominently features an introduction to "THE FALSE MEMORY SYNDROME VIDEO," produced by the Foundation, aiming to educate the public about this phenomenon.

Key Articles and Discussions

The Dangers of Suggestion in Psychotherapy

The newsletter emphasizes the significant risks of undue suggestion in psychotherapy, particularly in cases involving recovered memories. It explains that suggestion can be influenced by factors such as hypnotizability, misinformation, social persuasion, and interrogation. Techniques like guided imagery and age regression are highlighted as particularly suggestive. The article stresses the importance of therapists maintaining neutrality and avoiding confirmation or validation of a client's experience, as this can lead to unreliable memories and potential false accusations. It also notes that while a therapist's duty is not to investigate, they should be concerned about the accuracy of a client's information and take steps to verify it.

Legal Cases and Court Rulings

Several legal cases are detailed, illustrating the real-world consequences of FMS and recovered memory claims:

• William J. Groff, Presiding Justice Ruling: The court ruled that the concept of "repressed memory" is not generally accepted in psychology and therefore not scientifically reliable, leading to the inadmissibility of such testimony in trials. The court acknowledged the value of psychotherapy but found the process used in these cases unreliable.
• Suits Against Abusive Therapists Settled: Two suits are mentioned where patients sued their therapists for malpractice. In one case, Laura Deck alleged that her therapist induced false memories of sexual abuse and satanic rituals through hypnosis and guided imagery. Expert testimony indicated that her MMPI scores suggested severe trauma, consistent with her claims. The case was settled out of court.
• Couple Brings Suit Over Malpractice in New Hampshire: Mark and Linda Bean sued psychologist Mark B. Peterson, alleging malpractice in therapy that convinced Linda Bean she had multiple personality disorder and was part of a Satanic cult. The treatment allegedly caused her to become suicidal.
• Ex-Nursery Worker to Sue Over Ordeal of Sex Charges: Margaret Kelly Michaels, who spent five years in prison after a sexual molestation conviction that was later overturned, is suing the state of New Jersey due to alleged prosecutorial abuses.
• Appeals Court Overturns Martensville Convictions: A Saskatchewan Court of Appeal panel overturned convictions in a sex-abuse case, ruling that police had questioned alleged victims improperly.
• Molestation Convictions Tossed Out: A North Carolina appeals court overturned the convictions of two individuals accused of molesting children, citing inadmissible testimony from parents about their children's behavior.

Repressed-Memory Evidence Banned in Australia

A notice from the Queensland Director of Prosecutions, Mr. Royce Miller QC, states that hypnotically induced evidence will not be sought unless specific guidelines are met, limiting it to matters recalled prior to hypnosis and preserving the original recollection.

FMSF Activities and Resources

• FMSF Amicus Brief: The Foundation filed an amicus brief in an Alabama case, arguing that mental health professionals may owe a duty to third parties not to misdiagnose sexual abuse in their patients.
• Available Publications: The newsletter lists available FMSF publications, including briefs on specific court cases and a decision by Justice Groff.
• Articles of Interest: A compilation of relevant articles from various journals on recovered memory, false memory, and psychotherapy malpractice is provided.
• Retractor's Newsletter Update: An update encourages individuals who have retracted their accusations to share their stories and thoughts.
• Friends of the FMS Foundation: An invitation is extended to become a "Friend of the Foundation" by making a significant contribution, with benefits including executive updates and first-class newsletter mailings.
• Make a Difference Campaign: This section encourages readers to become activists by writing letters to editors, contacting legislators, testifying, participating in discussions, organizing support groups, and being interviewed by the press.

Personal Accounts and Reflections

• Thanks from a student: A student expresses gratitude for attending an FMSF conference, highlighting the impact of hearing from accused parents.
• Therapist Logic: A reader questions the logic of wrestling with unremembered events.
• A Hug: A father shares a poignant story of reconnecting with his daughter after years of estrangement, asserting that her recovered memories of abuse were false.
• Changed Mind about FMSF: A former critic of FMSF shares her experience of realizing she was not ritually abused and now supports the Foundation.
• Reader's Letter (California): A reader expresses fear of being falsely accused of something in the future, leading to a destroyed life, and criticizes therapists who participate in what they perceive as a "witch hunt."
• Reader's Letter (Page 14): A reader expresses concern about checklists for families of accusing children, suggesting they might normalize strained relationships and inadvertently support false beliefs.
• FMSF Helped Dad: A reader shares how the Foundation provided support to her father during a difficult time when she was undergoing therapy that suggested her father had abused her.

Advisory Board Updates

New Advisory Board members are welcomed, including Aaron Beck, M.D., Henry M. Roediger, III, Ph.D., Rochel Gelman, Ph.D., Lila Gleitman, Ph.D., and Louise Shoemaker, Ph.D., recognized for their contributions in psychology and related fields.

"A Real Nightmare" Article

This reprinted article details the case of Ron Gillespie, a retired principal who was sued for alleged sexual abuse by Linda Hunter, a woman he had known as a child. The lawsuit, which sought $300,000, was eventually dismissed. The article suggests that the accusations may have stemmed from deep-seated resentment and the fad of "assisted memory recall."

Introducing The False Memory Syndrome Video

This section promotes a video produced by the Foundation that offers an overview of FMS, featuring stories of families, retractors, and interviews with researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the critical examination of the False Memory Syndrome and its impact on individuals, families, and the legal system. The FMS Foundation consistently advocates for the rights of the falsely accused and highlights the potential for therapeutic practices to create or reinforce false memories. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of recovered memories, emphasizing the dangers of suggestion, the unreliability of certain therapeutic techniques, and the devastating consequences of false accusations. The newsletter actively promotes awareness, encourages activism, and provides resources for those affected by FMS, positioning itself as a crucial advocate for those facing such challenges.